Chrysler

Chrysler Pt Cruiser (2006)

2,049 real MOT outcomes analysed • 70.4% first-time pass rate

2006 Chrysler Pt Cruiser

CarHunch analysed 2,049 real MOT records for the 2006 Chrysler Pt Cruiser. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

The 2006 PT Cruiser is significantly less reliable than the UK average, with a first-time MOT pass rate of just 70.4% against the national 80%—a concerning gap that worsens when you learn that 42.6% of these vehicles have recorded dangerous defects at some point. Petrol and diesel variants perform virtually identically (both around 70%), so fuel type isn't a differentiator here.

At 51,209 miles median (58,125 average), these cars have covered typical mileage for their age, yet they're arriving at MOT stations with an average of nearly 5 failures each and a striking 29.2 advisories—suggesting widespread wear across multiple systems rather than one critical weak point. If you're considering this model, budget for remedial work before purchase and expect ongoing maintenance costs significantly above the norm for a 2006 hatchback.

The 2006 Chrysler Pt Cruiser has a below-average first-time pass rate (70.4% vs ~80% UK average) — check the specific vehicle's full MOT history carefully before buying.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.
First-time pass
70.4%
UK average ~80%
Below average
Dangerous (ever)
42.6%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
4.91
Over 15.8 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
51k
Middle half: 40k–64k
For context
⚠️ Below average. More vehicles in this cohort fail their first MOT than typical. Scrutinise this vehicle's history — look for recurring issues, not just the latest result.
🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 29.2 advisories per vehicle tells you wear items (tyres, brakes) get flagged regularly. Budget for them — they're not surprises.
🔍 The dangerous defect figure is real. Most are one-off tyre failures or brake issues — not structural problems. But it's exactly why checking the individual vehicle's history is essential, not optional.

These stats describe 2,049 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Buyer beware — pass it on

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 2,049 Chrysler Pt Cruiser cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2006 Chrysler Pt Cruiser

Based on MOT data from 2,049 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 42.6% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Petrol (70%) 1,432 70.5% 4.89
Diesel (30%) 609 70.1% 4.98

Colour Breakdown

Based on 18,439 Chrysler Pt Cruiser vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Blue 24.8%
4,575
Silver 24.7%
4,563
Red 23.2%
4,270
Black 18.8%
3,463
Beige 2.1%
386
Purple 1.6%
289
Maroon 1.5%
272
Grey 1.2%
228
Gold 1%
191
Green 0.7%
122
Yellow 0.3%
49
White 0.2%
31

Mileage Distribution

Most 2006 Chrysler Pt Cruiser vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

51,209
typical
40,220
low mileage
63,508
high mileage

Half of all 2006 Chrysler Pt Cruiser vehicles fall between 40,220 and 63,508 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 40,220 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.
40,220–63,508 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2006 Chrysler Pt Cruisers sit.
Over 85,735 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2006 Chrysler Pt Cruiser — Still on the Road

Numbers are thinning — 18% of 2006 Chrysler Pt Cruisers are still active.

Numbers are declining — 316 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (18% of peak).

1,787 316 2014 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

15.8
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
4.91
Avg failures per vehicle
29.2
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Chrysler Pt Cruiser: All Pt Cruiser years → Which year to buy? →
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Buyer beware — pass it on